JIM Magilton is on the look-out for another loan signing to make the same impact that Francis Jeffers had on Ipswich Town.It is unlikely to come before tonight's Coca-Cola Championship game at Preston, but the Blues manager confirmed: “Franny made such a big difference that I want to bring in someone who can make a similar impact.

By Elvin King

JIM Magilton is on the look-out for another loan signing to make the same impact that Francis Jeffers had on Ipswich Town.

It is unlikely to come before tonight's Coca-Cola Championship game at Preston, but the Blues manager confirmed: “Franny made such a big difference that I want to bring in someone who can make a similar impact.

“He put away his first chance at Hull, and that turned the match our way after they had controlled the early stages.

“And at half-time he was a big influence in the dressing room, convinced we could go on and collect a win.

“The fact that we went on to score four times shows the impact a quality player had.”

Jeffers has stayed with Ipswich to have a scan although he is expected to return to Blackburn later in the week.

Magilton is expected to opt for a five-man midfield tonight, with George O'Callaghan likely to come in and Danny Haynes playing up front on his own.

Midfielder Gavin Williams is back in the squad and is set to be named as one of the substitutes after suffering with a pelvic problem since the end of January.

Richard Naylor misses out again, and is set to see a specialist over what is proving to be a troublesome bruised toe.

“I have seen a video of Saturday's defeat against Southend a number of times, and perhaps I went a bit over the top in criticising my players,” said Magilton.

“But we conceded from two set pieces again and we did not take care of the ball. If we had not been so careless in possession I am sure we would have come out on top.”

Preston manager Paul Simpson ripped into his players after what he described as the worst performance of the season in the 2-0 defeat at Hull on Saturday.

He stormed: “I watched Hull last Tuesday and saw them absolutely murdered by Ipswich.

“If we had set about it the right way on an awful pitch we could have had the same result.”

Preston have been a nearly-team for the last couple of years - nearly getting promotion and missing out in the play-offs.

Simpson added: “We have to make sure we are not a nearly team again - starting with Ipswich.”

Preston only managed two scoring attempts at the KC Stadium - both off target.

Defeat meant Preston slipped out of the play-off places when Wolves beat West Brom 1-0 on Sunday.

Top scorer Dave Nugent is hoping to face Town after hobbling off on Saturday with a bruised back. He had extensive treatment Sunday and yesterday.

The sought-after England Under-21 international is desperate to play against what he calls “lucky” opposition.

He scored within 36 minutes of his full Preston debut against Ipswich two years ago, and has netted six goals in four games against Town.

“I have scored every time I have played Ipswich, so hopefully it will continue tonight,” said Nugent.

Tonight's squads

Preston: Lonergan, Chilvers, St Ledger, Davidson, Alexander, Songo'o, Pugh, Pergl, Sedgwick, Nugent, Mellor, Agyemang, Ricketts, Wilson, Hill, Henderson, Soley, Dichio.

Ipswich: Price, Wright, Bruce, De Vos, Harding, Peters, Legwinski, O'Callaghan, Garvan, Roberts, Haynes, Supple, Wilnis, Richards, Williams, Clarke, Walters, Sito.

Referee: Mr M Clattenburg (Tyne and Wear).